How Prince William’s Approach to His Royal Role Changed After Queen Elizabeth’s Death
Prince William’s royal role changed significantly following Queen Elizabeth’s death on September 8, 2022. The next day, he inherited the 'Prince of Wales' title from King Charles, a new feather in his cap. However, such a prestigious title came with its share of added responsibilities, and the Prince of Wales was determined to set himself apart from his late grandmother’s stoic approach. After her demise, he embraced a more modern style of monarchy, one less bound by pomp, pageantry, and age-old traditions.
William and Queen Elizabeth were always close, with the latter teaching the Prince his responsibilities as future King. Reflecting on this factor, royal expert Robert Lacey told Grazia, "When William became a teenager, she [Elizabeth] would have him at Windsor Castle and would open the state boxes and guide him through the papers." While many expected William to carry forward his grandmother’s legacy, he instead took on a more approachable course. Royal correspondent Charles Rae told the Guardian, "There's going to be a lot more friendly handshakes and possibly hugs, rather than the formality that we've seen in the past. Thus far, this prediction has proven true, with William physically embracing people from across the United Kingdom rather than just offering them a little wave."
As part of his ‘modernized monarchy,’ William and Kate Middleton have refused to hire live-in staff to manage their household, and are teaching their kids to fend for themselves. Their laid-back approach is in stark contrast to that of the King and the late Queen, who had a slew of staff rushing to their aid. Ultimately, William’s approach, rooted in simplicity, has helped his three children lead a more private life, despite their royal roles. Currently, the Waleses are looking forward to relocating from Adelaide Cottage to Forest Lodge to protect their privacy, rather than living in one of the Palaces.
Regarding William’s down-to-earth approach, in light of the UK’s cost-of-living crisis, the Prince has become more aware of his royal privileges. As a result, he has reportedly pushed to reduce the royal family’s budget and ease the burden on taxpayers. A passionate advocate for climate action, he has also spearheaded numerous initiatives in the field. A palace source told InTouch that the Prince of Wales "has put out this edict that the rest of the family needs to get on board with being as green as possible... The days of wasteful spending and overconsumption are ending."
While the Prince of Wales has differed from the late Queen’s traditional approach, he valued her strong sense of duty to the Crown. After her demise, in a public statement, he expressed gratitude for all the memories he shared. It partly read, "And while I will grieve her loss, I also feel incredibly grateful. I have had the benefit of the Queen's wisdom and reassurance into my fifth decade." He reportedly looks up to her as a role model for leadership, duty, and grace under pressure, while also inspiring him to blend tradition with contemporary views.